With the international break over, Fantasy Premier League (FPL) deadlines are coming thick and fast. Several players are beginning to stand out as 'template', with more and more teams featuring the same five or six names. Getting ahead of the curve and bringing in top performers that nobody else has spotted yet is more important than ever.
Do nothing?
For a lot of managers, the best course of action this week is to do nothing. If you have 14 fit players, all likely to start, with decent fixtures, ask yourself whether a transfer is really necessary or whether you're just bored.
With Manchester City and Arsenal both playing very winnable games, and Chelsea scoring and conceding plenty, this week could see bumper scores. Stockpiling transfers could help you navigate the market better.
In my defence
Defence is easy this year. Bobby Thomas (£4.0m), Ezri Konsa Ngoyo (£4.6m) and Riccardo Calafiori (£5.9m) are all worth having. Maxim De Cuyper (£5.1m), Joško Gvardiol (£5.8m) and Tarik Muharemović (£5.0m) can also be set and forgotten until Christmas.
De Cuyper has been brilliant in a high-flying Brighton side, despite concerns about his temporary left-wing role.
Cheeky Cherki
Manchester City have scored five goals in two games against Liverpool and PSG, with Erling Haaland (£15.6m) bagging in both. Rayan Cherki (£7.9m) appears to have secured his place in the side and is not too expensive.
Jérémy Doku (£7.4m) could be a decent pick-up despite not starting a game so far this season, with an extended run possible after his cameo at Anfield.
Ring my Belloumi
Mohamed Belloumi (£5.2m) is an exciting Hull attacker who creates chances and isn't afraid of taking a shot. At his price, he's a steal.
The only caveat is that with Marcus Tavernier (£6.1m), Pascal Groß (£6.0m) and Josh King (£5.6m) as reliable midfielders below £6.5m, you may not need another budget option.
The FPL deadline this week is at 11am on Saturday morning, with Chelsea vs Everton kicking off the weekend's action.
